Dave-G

I just watched a commentator on BBC newsnight first claim he didn't know who Clarkson was - then under a minute later let slip the farm was bought for tax purposes.

I thought it was any barreled device capable of firing a projectile.

I've just seen on GBN Starmer saying the tax threshold is 3M, where's that figure coming from?

Fair thinking there.

Pariah's tin hat on now, dare I write the following in this thread... We/UK are having to raise a hellofalot more money from somewhere since Russia invaded Ukraine, and not just for its defence - which we pledged to assist with when they surrendered their nukes. I think the 'net zero' topic is getting some of the blame to avoid the general public turning against that country. That money has to come from taxation of the general population in ways that are deeply unpopular and unforeseen a few years ago. It is easier afforded by the well off than the poorer section of society.

That's as seen through our eyes though Doug. I think its the most inhumane of blood sports to a creature that is capable of being aware of a threat on their life. This country has for many years had anti cruelty rules about how most animals are killed. The general public won't support killing animals just for fun or something to do - especially if it involves massive cruelty. Most people would abhor cock or dog fighting and badger digging too: It's not being done for food. There are more humane and discreet ways to kill a livestock pest. Forgive this analogy but I can't think of a more realistic alternative but let me swap four legged creatures for ourselves. If for some reason you had to be killed today for whatever reason without prior knowledge it was going to happen - would you (or your loved one's) rather it had been a swift end by a bullet we don't see or hear coming - or maybe 30 young fit agile baying men chase you a few miles till you are exhausted then rip you apart while still alive and able to feel it taking place? As for fishing there is a fair degree of cruelty and slow death while fighting for life there too, and I've also done my share of it.

I can admit to having some of that.

I think it was an MP's vote on behalf of their constituents to be fair

I'm not so sure about that, there's a massive difference between dogs chasing a petrified fox till it can't run anymore or digging it out, than a quick humane shot the quarry didn't even know is coming after it. When troublesome foxes can be destroyed humanely by shooting there is bound to be many who feel several dogs chasing then ripping them to death is a savage way to deal with them that is way past its time to desist. That the hunts do it so visibly with utter contempt of the law is their own fault it looming again. We rightly condemn lefties who obstruct the will of the people in the Brexit vote yet many on the right obfuscate and defy the vote against fox hunting.

What gets me is Putin feels its OK to escalate using foreign assets: missiles and troops but bleats about Ukraine using foreign assets.

I'm thinking Trump hinted to Biden in their meeting he'd be doing that to force Putin to negotiate - but Biden stole his thunder.

To be fair though, how many PM's address protesters during and at their protest location?

I forgot to include another part of my thinking. Labour target typical Tory voters where practical: farmers can't hide that part of their wealth assets off shore like some millionaires can so are ripe for the picking.

I know a farm that has coursers quite frequently and the culprits got two 4x4's stuck recently, cops nicked them and seized the vehicles. Yet the owners have the opinion that lots of Hares are good because the dags get confused if they spot a different Hare so won't have them thinned out or cleared off.